'Furious' sequel drives hard with action, laughs, tribute.

• Author: Cohen, Sandy
• Position: Living

Byline: Sandy Cohen

'Furious 7'

A Universal Pictures release

Rating: PG-13 for prolonged frenetic sequences of violence, action and mayhem, suggestive content and brief strong language

Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Fast-moving fight scenes, outrageous auto antics and a sprinkling of ridiculous one-liners make "Furious 7'' a campy, crowd-pleasing escape.

Never mind that the film repeatedly presents the impossible -- a muscle car attacks an airborne helicopter -- fans of the franchise know to suspend disbelief at the door. With nonstop action from start to finish, it's easy -- if a bit exhausting -- to go along for the high-speed ride.

Reality intrudes at the end: The film is dedicated to Paul Walker, who died in a car crash in 2013, and concludes with a montage of images of the actor from his five previous "Fast and Furious'' appearances. Walker's brothers acted as stand-ins and special effects were used to maintain his presence throughout his final film, which was still in production when he died.

There are a couple of creepy allusions to his death in the film that could briefly jar viewers. At one point, Roman (Tyrese Gibson) asks Brian (Walker) to promise their team won't face any more funerals. When Brian replies, "Just one more,'' he's referring to that of the film's villain (Jason Statham), but one can't help but think of the actor's own accidental death.

Another scene shows Brian telling wife Mia (Jordana Brewster) that if she doesn't hear from him after the crew's latest mission, she should "move on.'' It almost feels like a message to his co-stars.

Like its predecessors, the seventh installment of the hit franchise features a multicultural cast, international settings and a dazzling array of cars. While this critic is partial to American muscle cars, the $3.5 million Lykan Hypersport from Dubai-based W Motors is incredible to see. Only seven such vehicles exist. (No Lykan Hypersports were harmed during the making of the film.)

The story is just a framework for car chases and fight scenes. Dom (Vin Diesel) and his crew are acclimating to life on the right side of the law when they're attacked by Shaw (Statham), bent on avenging the death of his brother, who was killed in "Fast & Furious 6.'' Shaw is elusive, and the crew needs help...